Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan on Friday said the people of Hong Kong could learn more about historical events related to the Second World War while hiking in country parks.

He was speaking at the unveiling of a new historical site in Ma On Shan Country Park in Kei Ling Ha to commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Speaking at the plaque unveiling ceremony, Tse said the site was an important location during a major "secret rescue mission" in 1942, when communist guerrillas helped evacuate some 800 leading cultural figures to the mainland from Hong Kong after Japan began its occupation of the city.

The site was then a sea-crossing point where those rescued figures were sent to – before they were taken across the border.

Tse said the site holds great significance as many Hong Kong residents, including villagers from Kei Ling Ha, took part in the 11-month rescue mission.

Many of them were students and young people, he said, underscoring Hongkongers' patriotism.

"[The site] not only reflects the spirit of the people who fought for several years in the war of resistance, those who were fearless in sacrifice and defended our homeland, but also we hope that more citizens and our next generation can learn more about that important period of history," Tse said.

"The current peace, stability, prosperity and development of our country are truly hard won."

Tse said there are eight other similar historical Sino-Japanese War sites, including in Tsuen Wan, Ha Miu Tin and Sai Kung West Country Park.

He added the government is dedicated to preserving such historical locations and has been carrying out restoration work at many war sites across Hong Kong.